Whether you’re a first-timer in the UK capital, a regular visitor or even a local resident, seeking out the best views of London is fun to do. Panoramic vistas are guaranteed from rooftop bars, viewpoints and other spots in the city. It’s an unforgettable way to spend some of your time when visiting the UK capital.
This guide takes you through all the places to go for unparalleled, panoramic views of London. From the best viewpoints in London lining the Thames to the rooftop bars you’ll find scattered all over the capital, speechless moments are a dead cert when taking in the best London view.
Whether you’re thinking of the view from the London Eye, what the Sky Garden is all about or want to find the best views of the London skyline by night, this article covers all you need to know.
Are the best views in London free? In some cases, yes. But it is well worth paying for some of the places you can see great views of London from, we promise!
Read on to find the top view when sightseeing in London.
Top 3 Best Views of London
London Eye
- Closest tube: Waterloo (Bakerloo, Jubilee, Northern and Waterloo & City lines)
- Opening times: 10 am or 11 am to 6 pm or 8.30 pm daily (closed Christmas Day)
- Cost: Click here
Book a half-hour trip on the London Eye for what’s arguably the best London view of all. As the wheel turns, you can take in panoramas from every angle. Regular and fast-track tickets are available, and you’ll have to allow extra time for queueing, boarding and alighting.
If you’re blessed with clear skies on the day of your trip, you might even see as far as Windsor Castle. This is 24 miles (or 39 kilometres) away, so just imagine what you’ll be able to see in the city itself!
The London Eye is mega popular, so book for a weekday if you can. Slots earlier in the day can also be best. If you’re short of time, – or just impatient – fast-track tickets are worth paying extra for.
The View from the Shard
- Closest tube: London Bridge (Northern and Jubilee lines)
- Opening times: 10 am to 7 pm or 10 pm daily (closed for bank holidays and special events)
- Cost: Click here
Included with the London Pass
As this is Western Europe’s tallest building, The View from the Shard can offer a perfect view of London. Riding in the high-speed lifts within this glittering building can also be a thrilling experience!
Like the London Eye, the Shard offers a 360 degree panoramic viewing experience. You can capture some incredible images from up here, particularly if you have a decent camera. Interactive telescopes (in 11 languages) can help you to interpret what you’re seeing.
For a more luxurious experience, you can upgrade to include a glass of champagne with your View from the Shard ticket. You could also drop into Borough Market or the cool bars of the London Bridge neighbourhood while in the area.
Sky Garden
- Closest tube: Monument (Circle and District lines)
- Opening times: 10am to 6pm Monday to Friday; 11am to 9pm Saturday and Sunday; 11am to 9pm on bank holidays (bar and restaurant hours vary)
- Cost: Free
Some of the best London views can be yours from the Sky Garden. And what’s even better is that you can access this top London viewpoint for free! Tickets must be booked in advance, however.
Sky Garden isn’t only free to access, it’s also home to a range of bars and eateries. If you’re seeking the best views in London restaurants, you have three to choose from here, or you can also grab a drink at one of the bars.
A note on booking your Sky Garden ticket. Though you can get in for free, it’s essential to reserve your place. You can do this up to three weeks ahead of time. A one-hour slot will be allocated, and you can only use tickets as per the date and time stated.
Walk-ins are sometimes accepted, subject to availability. This is more likely during weekdays than at weekends. No walk-ins are accepted from 5pm onwards on weekdays.
4 Best Bridges
Westminster Bridge
- Closest tube: Westminster
- Cost: Free
Expect sweeping views of the Houses of Parliament, Big Ben and the London Eye.
Tower Bridge
- Closest tube: Tower Hill
- Cost: Click here
Enjoy great vistas of the city, riverbank and Thames from over 40 feet above the water. Check out or list of best London apps for bridge lift times
⭐️ Click here to book Tower Bridge tickets
Millenium Bridge
Closest tube: Blackfriars (main line) or St. Paul’s, Cannon Street or Southwark (tube)
Cost: Free
Good views of St. Paul’s, the River Thames and Shakespeare’s Globe
Golden Jubilee Bridges
Closest tube: Waterloo
Cost: Free
The Queen’s Walk at the Golden Jubilee Bridges offers some of the best views in London.
7 Best Viewpoints
St. Paul’s Cathedral
Closest tube: St. Paul’s
Cost: Click here
One of the best viewpoints in London is from the dome at one of the City’s highest points.
OXO Tower
Closest tube: Southwark
Cost: Free
The OXO Tower offers free entry and is something of a hidden gem, offering impressive river and City of London views.
Monument to the Great Fire of London
Closest tube: Monument
Cost: From £6 per standard adult, £3 per child (5+)
Climb over 300 steps for excellent views over the city and East London.
Red telephone box, Parliament Street
Go to the iconic red phone box on Parliament Street for Palace of Westminster views (tip – there is always a queue at the first one but there is another phone box further along the street!)
St Edmund’s Tower, Westminster Cathedral
Closest tube: Victoria or St. James’ Park
Cost: Free
Climb to the top of St Edmund’s Tower at Westminster Cathedral (not the Abbey!) for views from over 90 metres high.
One New Change
Closest tube: St. Paul’s
Cost: Free
Shopping, bars, restaurants and superb views from the St. Paul’s area.
Shad Thames
Closest tube: Tower Hill
Cost: Free
Get amazing views of Tower Bridge from the Shad Thames area.
POPULAR LONDON ATTRACTIONS – ADVANCE PURCHASE AND/OR FAST-TRACK TICKETS
🎡 London Eye – Ride with fantastic views over London. (Skip-the-line tickets available)
🏙 The Shard – The tallest building in the UK with commanding views over London.
⛪️ Westminster Abbey – Gothic abbey where coronations and royal weddings are held.
💎 Tower of London – Infamous prison and mighty fortress. The Crown Jewels are on display too.
⚔ Madame Tussauds – Get up close and personal with over 250 waxworks of famous people.
⛓ London Dungeon – Enjoy a recreation of some of London’s goriest and macabre historical events.
🐧 London Zoo – World’s oldest scientific zoo and a popular attraction for families.
👑 Hampton Court Palace – King Henry VIII’s favourite palace.
6 Best Experiences with a View
Roof of the O2 Arena
Closest tube: North Greenwich
Cost: Click here
Climb the roof of the iconic dome-shaped O2 arena for London skyline views.
⭐️ Click here to book Up at the O2 tickets
IFS Cloud Cable Car
Closest tube: Royal Victoria (DLR) or North Greenwich (tube)
Cost: Click here
Travel between Greenwich Peninsula and the Royal Docks for aerial views. Formerly known as the Emirates Air Line Cable Car.
⭐️ Click here to book IFS Cloud cable car tickets
ArcelorMittal Orbit Slide
Closest tube: Stratford
Cost: Click here
178-metre slide and observation platform at the London 2012 Olympics park.
⭐️ Click here to book ArcelorMittal Orbit Slide tickets
Lift 109 at Battersea Power Station
Closest tube: Battersea Power Station
Cost: From £15.90 per standard adult, £11.50 per child (3+)
Travel via a lift to 109 metres for 360 degree London views.
The Dare Skywalk
Closest tube: Tottenham Hale
Cost: Click here
The Dare Skywalk at Tottenham Hotspur football stadium offers city views from a glass walkway.
⭐️ Click here to book tickets for The Dare Skywalk
Thames River cruise
Closest tube:
Cost: Click here
Take a trip along the Thames between Westminster and Greenwich for wonderful views.
8 Best Parks and Public Spaces
The Garden at 120
Closest tube: Monument or Tower Hill
Cost: Free
The Garden at 120 is a public rooftop space on the 15th floor at 120 Fenchurch Street.
Island Gardens
Closest tube: Island Gardens (DLR)
Cost: Free
Island Gardens offers great views across to Greenwich from the Isle of Dogs.
Primrose Hill
Closest tube: Swiss Cottage, Chalk Farm or Camden Town
Cost: Free
Primrose Hill is a celebrity and dog walkers’ haunt offering distant but clear city views.
Parliament Hill, Hampstead Heath
Closest tube: Belsize Park
Cost: Free
Head to Parliament Hill at Hampstead Heath for distant city views from a vast open space.
Alexandra Park
Closest tube: Wood Green
Cost: Free
Home to the park of the same name, Alexandra Park is a lesser known alternative to Parliament Hill.
Greenwich Park
Closest tube: Cutty Sark (DLR) or North Greenwich (tube)
Cost: Free
Climb the hill for views over Greenwich plus central London landmarks.
Sawyer’s Hill or King Henry’s Mound, Richmond Park
- Closest tube: Richmond
- Cost: Free
Go to either of these Richmond Park viewpoints for city and Thames Valley views.
One Tree Hill
- Closest station: Honor Oak Park
- Cost: Free
One Tree Hill in Honor Oak, South London is a hidden gem and offers views towards the city centre.
8 Best Rooftop Bars, Cafes and Restaurants
Level 10 at the Tate Modern
- Closest tube: Blackfriars (main line) or Southwark (tube)
- Cost: As per food and drinks prices
Savour snacks plus hot and cold drinks while enjoying 10th-floor views.
Sushi Samba
- Closest tube: Liverpool Street
- Cost: As per food and drink prices
Bar, restaurant and terrace on the 38th and 39th floors of the Heron Building.
12th Knot at Sea Containers
- Closest tube: Blackfriars (mainline) or Southwark (tube)
- Cost: As per food and drink prices
Stylish, glass box-shaped bar with terrace, lounge and stunning views.
Jin Bo Law
- Closest tube: Aldgate East
- Cost: As per food and drink prices
14th-floor hotel cocktail bar with a rooftop terrace offering panoramic views.
Franks Cafe at Bold Tendencies
- Closest tube: Brixton
- Cost: As per food and drink prices
Head to Frank’s in summer for incomparable views and no-nonsense cocktails.
Savage Garden
- Closest tube: Tower Hill
- Cost: As per food and drink prices
Food and drinks, including brunch and cocktails, with Tower of London views.
Radio Rooftop at ME London
- Closest tube: Covent Garden
- Cost: As per food and drink prices
Smart, pricey cocktail bar offering central London skyline views.
Portrait, National Portrait Gallery
Closest tube: Leicester Square or Charing Cross
Cost: As per food and drink prices
See the epicentre of London plus Big Ben, Westminster Abbey and more from the top of the National Portrait Gallery.
Where Will You See the Best Views in London?
We hope this list of London viewpoints inspires you to seek out the UK capital’s most stunning views! Whichever you choose, book ahead where tickets are required and don’t forget to fully charge your camera for the very best experience!
Looking for something different? Check out our pick of London’s best hidden gems!
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